Health Topics > Senior's health > diverticulardisease

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

What is it?

Diverticulosis is a condition affecting the large bowel in which there are small out-pouchings or pockets of the lining of the bowel protruding through its muscle wall. The cause of this is largely unknown, but seems to be related to the typical low-fibre Western diet and possibly to subsequent constipation. Long term abuse of laxatives may also play a part.

Diverticulitis occurs when the necks of these pockets become obstructed by faeces causing stagnation and an overgrowth of bacteria, producing inflammation. Diverticular disease is a term used to encompass both diverticulosis and diverticulitis. In the majority of cases diverticular disease causes no symptoms and is often just picked up incidentally. However, there may be some intermittent mild left sided abdominal pain associated with either constipation or diarrhoea. Acute diverticulitis, on the other hand, tends to present as severe pain in the left lower abdomen, frequently accompanied by fever and constipation. It can be complicated by the development of an abscess, peritonitis or perforation of the bowel.

Treatment and general recommendations

Moderate exercise, such as a daily walk, and some stretching exercises are beneficial. Try some gentle massage of the abdomen over the tender areas.
During an acute attack of diverticulitis bed rest is advisable.
Colonic irrigations and enemas may help but can only be used with caution under medical supervision.

Diet

This is the mainstay of treatment for diverticular disease:

Follow the principles of eating outlined on pages 20 -27 of " The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book"
Drink one and a half to two litres of water daily.
Avoid - nuts and seeds (unless passed through a grinder) and wholegrain breads, as hard little particles can become stuck in the necks of the bowel pockets and trigger off a bout of diverticulitis. However, ground nuts and seeds provide a tasty, nutritious powder that can be sprinkled on cereals or vegetables and won't aggravate the bowel. Also avoid red meat, fatty foods, spices, and processed foods. There are also dietary recommendations and tips - the most important one for this condition is to make sure all seeds and nuts etc are finely ground to ensure they do not get stuck in the diverticuli.
You need to avoid all dairy products and gluten as they are digestive irritants. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, oats and barley (and all foods containing these).
It is essential that at least 40 percent of the diet is made up of raw fruits and vegetables.
Include often - high fibre foods like fruits and vegetables, wholemeal breads (avoid multi-grain breads and eat only stone ground breads), cereals (except muesli etc containing nuts and seeds), brown rice and unprocessed bran. About two to five tablespoons of unprocessed bran should be consumed daily and can be sprinkled on cereal or mixed in with vegetables.

Recommended books:

Raw juicing

During an acute attack a juice fast for three to four days is a good idea to rest the gut. Pureed vegetable soups can also be consumed.

Recommended recipes from the "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book

--"Inflammatory Bowel Disease Juice" on page 105
--"Ulcerative Colitis Juice" on page 138

Recommended supplements:

Olive leaf capsules

Take two capsules three times daily with meals. Olive leaf is an effective natural antibiotic traditionally used for its anti-microbial actions.

MSM plus Vitamin C powder

Take 1/2 teaspoon twice daily in vegetable juices or water - MSM is organic sulphur which assists in reduction of inflammation and also assists the liver with bile production which will aid digestion.

Digestive enzymes capsules

Take 1-3 capsules at the beginning of each meal - Digestive enzymes help aid digestion and reduce inflammation of the bowel.

Flaxseed capsules

Take 2 capsules twice daily with food - Flaxseed has a powerful anti inflammatory effect and helps assist in soothing the bowel.

Fibre powder

Take 1 teaspoon and build up to 1 or 2 tablespoons over a 2 week period if necessary. Put on cereal or stir into fresh rice or soy milk - A gluten free fibre powder is excellent for diverticulosis, containing natural non-irritating fibre, pectin and peppermint oil. Gentle dietary fibre helps to sweep the bowel wall clean.

Slippery Elm

Take 2 -3 capsules three times daily - slippery elm helps to soothe and calm the inflammation in the diverticuli.

IBS capsules (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Take 1 capsule three times daily 30 mins before meals - IBS formulas may assist in reducing symptoms of poor digestive function such as abdominal fullness, flatulence, burping, bowel noises, indigestion and abdominal cramps.